100GBase-ZR4 QSFP28 80km (SMF, 1310nm, EML, (with host FEC)

In the 100G Ethernet technology system, the performance parameters and standardization level of optical modules directly determine the reliability and compatibility of transmission systems. As a 100G optical module based on QSFP28 packaging, QSFP-100G-ZR4 demonstrates significant technical advantages in medium-to-long distance transmission scenarios through precise hardware configuration and strict standard adaptation, becoming a key component in 100GBASE-ZR4 Ethernet deployment.

Core Technical Parameters and Functional Features

QSFP-100G-ZR4 adopts LC-type fiber connectors, and its transmission performance is closely related to the enabling status of FEC (Forward Error Correction) function: when the host FEC is enabled, the transmission distance can reach 80km; when FEC is not enabled, the transmission distance is 40km, which can meet the needs of different link designs for transmission radius. The module integrates DOM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) function, supporting real-time collection of key parameters such as operating temperature, supply voltage, transmit optical power, and receive optical power, providing data support for link status monitoring and fault location.

Technical Implementation and Standardized Design

Standard Compliance

The module strictly complies with QSFP28 packaging-related specifications, including SFF-8661 Rev 2.5 (optical module mechanical and electrical interface standard) and SFF-8636 Rev 2.10a (digital diagnostic monitoring protocol standard). This ensures seamless electrical and protocol-level integration with devices conforming to the same standards, significantly reducing compatibility risks when mixing multi-vendor equipment.

High-Speed Signal Processing

The electrical interface adopts the CAUI-4 specification, in line with the IEEE 802.3bm standard. CAUI-4 realizes 100G electrical signal transmission through 4 parallel differential signal channels, with each channel operating at a rate of 25.78125Gbps. Through differential signal design and impedance matching control, it effectively suppresses signal integrity issues (such as crosstalk and reflection), providing a stable electrical foundation for optical-electrical/electrical-optical conversion.

Optical Transceiver Configuration

• Transmitter: Utilizes a LAN WDM EML (Electro-Absorption Modulated Laser) with a modulation bandwidth of over 25Gbps, supporting CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) wavelength planning. Through precise temperature control and wavelength locking technology, it ensures the stability of the central wavelength of the optical signal during long-distance transmission, reducing signal degradation caused by dispersion.

• Receiver: Adopts an SOA+PIN architecture, where the SOA (Semiconductor Optical Amplifier) can provide 10-15dB gain for the input optical signal, effectively compensating for fiber transmission loss; the PIN photodiode has high responsivity (typical value ≥0.8A/W) and low dark current characteristics, which can convert weak optical signals into clear electrical signals, ensuring receiving sensitivity (typical value ≤-15dBm).

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Environmental Adaptability and Reliability

The module operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, verified through high-low temperature cycle tests to maintain parameter stability under extreme temperature conditions. Its circuit design features a wide voltage input (3.3V±5%) with overvoltage and overcurrent protection functions. Additionally, the module complies with the RoHS 2.0 environmental standard, restricting the use of hazardous substances such as lead and mercury, and meets the environmental regulations of major global markets.

Analysis of Typical Application Scenarios

1. Metropolitan Area Backbone Network Transmission: In the interconnection of core nodes within a metropolitan area, the 80km transmission distance can cover most of the city's core computer rooms and edge nodes, supporting the aggregation and forwarding of large-capacity data to meet the needs of operators for metropolitan area bandwidth expansion.
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3. Data Center Interconnection (DCI): For enterprise-level data centers deployed geographically dispersedly, the module can realize 100G high-speed interconnection across regions, supporting services such as virtual machine migration and data disaster recovery, ensuring the efficient operation of distributed IT architectures.
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5. Industry Wide Area Network Expansion: In dedicated communication networks of industries such as electric power and transportation, the module can adapt to harsh field environments, realizing long-distance data transmission between remote nodes such as substations and base stations and control centers, supporting real-time monitoring and command issuance.
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Conclusion